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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 18


Page 18 of 26

Eye movement direction not correlated with lying

A widely-held belief that certain eye movements indicate lying has been debunked in a new study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers found no correlation between eye movement direction and truthfulness, challenging existing approaches to detecting deceit.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2012

Smart materials get SMARTer

Scientists develop SMARTS, a customizable platform for autonomously regulating chemical reactions and temperature, mimicking biological systems. The material's dynamic feedback loops enable it to sense and modulate desired stimuli without external power, paving the way for intelligent medical implants and efficient buildings.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2012

Strong communication between brain and muscle requires both having the protein LRP4

Research finds that both brain and muscle cells require the protein LRP4 to ensure robust communication. Without it, communication is inefficient and short-lived, contributing to disabling disorders like myasthenia gravis. The study suggests that delivering LRP4 through gene therapy may help bolster insufficient levels in patients.

Ions, not particles, make silver toxic to bacteria

Researchers found that silver nanoparticles are less toxic to bacteria than their released ions. The team's study suggests that controlling the rate of ion release can enhance antibacterial properties and mitigate environmental impacts. They also discovered hormesis, where low doses of silver ions stimulate bacterial growth.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 11, 2012

The magnetic sense

LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

Hubble unmasks ghost galaxies

Astronomers discover that small dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way contain only a few stars and share the same birth date, indicating they were shut down by reionization. The relic galaxies provide evidence for a transitional phase in the early universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2012

Ferroelectricity on the nanoscale

Researchers mapped ferroelectric structural distortions in individual nanocrystals using the world's most powerful transmission electron microscope. The study indicates that a monodomain ferroelectric state remains stable down to dimensions of less than 10 nanometers, and room-temperature polarization flipping was demonstrated down to ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 10, 2012

White LEDs directly on paper

Scientists successfully grow nanorods of zinc oxide on a thin layer of polydiethylflourene, creating white LEDs that can be printed on paper or wallpaper for display purposes. This breakthrough method uses chemical methods and has the potential to enable mass production of flexible electronics.

SourceLinköping University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2012

Not all brand-consumer relationships are created equal, says University of Toronto study

A University of Toronto study found that the type of relationship consumers form with brands influences their assessment of fairness. In exchange relationships, respectful treatment is more crucial in fair outcomes, while in communal relationships, it has less effect. Marketers must understand these dynamics to correct unfair outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 10, 2012

Grassroots approach to conservation developed

A University of Illinois researcher is testing a new model for conservation that involves raising awareness among private landowners about invasive species and providing strategies for moderate livestock grazing and controlled burns. The goal is to promote the growth of native wildlife habitats in the Grand River Grasslands, which has ...

Subtle goal reminders, known as primes, can offset hedonic effects of food and facilitate health behavior

Research suggests that adding words related to health and weight on posters, menus, or recipe cards can stimulate healthy food choices among dieters and overweight individuals. This technique has great potential as an intervention to help weight control, as it is unobtrusive, easy to implement, and low in cost.

Do people want to know if they are at risk for Alzheimer's disease?

Research finds that people at risk for early-onset Alzheimer's disease want to know their genetic profile, but struggle with the results. The study also reveals that the general population and those with a family history of late-onset AD tend to be motivated by fear and anxiety when considering genetic testing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateJul 10, 2012

Tobacco use more prevalent among African-American adolescents living in public housing communities

A recent study found that African-American youths living in public housing communities are 2.3 times more likely to use tobacco than their peers. Early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs and addressing depressive symptoms, can help reverse positive attitudes towards tobacco use and reduce the risk of delinquent behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateJul 10, 2012